What is the required experience level for the arbitrator selected for All Team franchise disputes?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the event that the federal court described above does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, the parties, subject to all other provisions above, will submit the dispute to binding arbitration conducted in Tampa, FL (unless the parties mutually agree otherwise). The arbitration proceeding will be conducted in accordance with the then current commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA Rules"), except to the extent the AAA Rules differ from the terms of this Agreement, in which event the terms of this Agreement will apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitration does not have to be conducted under the AAA. The arbitrator must be mutually selected by the parties and must have at least 5 years of substantial experience in franchise law. Each party will be limited to 25 document requests, 15 interrogatories and 1 deposition unless otherwise agreed to between the parties. For purposes of this Section, if any dispute that names, involves or includes ATFC, it respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, brokers or employees, such persons or entities shall also be included in and made party to the arbitration proceeding to the extent such parties consent to proceeding forward in arbitration.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 33–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any dispute that cannot be resolved in federal court will be submitted to binding arbitration. The arbitrator selected by both parties must have a minimum of 5 years of substantial experience in franchise law. The arbitration will take place in Tampa, FL, unless both parties agree to a different location. The arbitration proceeding will follow the American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, except where those rules conflict with the terms of the All Team franchise agreement, in which case the agreement prevails.
Both parties are limited to 25 document requests, 15 interrogatories, and 1 deposition unless they agree otherwise. This limitation helps to control the costs and time involved in the arbitration process. The agreement also specifies that if the dispute involves All Team Franchise Corporation (ATFC), its affiliates, officers, directors, agents, brokers, or employees, these parties can be included in the arbitration proceeding if they consent.
This requirement ensures that the arbitrator has sufficient expertise in franchise law to understand the complexities of the issues involved. It also helps to ensure a fair and informed decision. Prospective franchisees should consider the implications of these arbitration terms, including the location of arbitration, the rules that will govern the process, and the experience level required of the arbitrator.